my outfit: leopard-tastic!

This top's a winner. What can I say!?!? I threw this baby on and a few bracelets and called it good for a recent date night.  Loves it.  This fall I've worked to purchase more investment pieces that I really, really love... which means LESS pieces.  But so far, I think it's worth it.

My husband and I were definitely feeling up for a date night this weekend (when aren't we!?!?) but a long day of projects around the house on Saturday left me too drained to "dress up" and this outfit definitely fit the date night vibe with little to no thought.  We also just went to our standby restaurant as again, we were hungry and a touch tired out.

What's your date night style? Sometimes I feel bad not going full out - as dates are rare.  But other times it's nice to focus on a fun casual night with no grand plans.

Details:
Sweater, J.Crew
Jeans, Gap
Shoes, Gap - I got these at last weekend's 50% off sale at the Gap! Woo hoo!
Ring, H&M (similar)
Bracelets: Forever 21(this one & similar), courtesy of Monet, and this one courtesy of Stella & Dot
Bag, Kate Spade (similar)

Check out what's up at my other blogs today!

• My favorite back to school shoes for kids - hands down!  Plus, they are "teacher" approved...
• Check out this Ashley Greene look for less... wear it to the office or for a night out!

work it wednesday!

Welcome back to another installment of Work It Wednesday... I hope you will be joining in on the fun today!  (see link up info below!)

Today I am featuring colorful flats!  I seem to obsessed with them lately and love the fun punch of personality they add to any outfit... here's three ways I would wear colorful flats...

Casual & Fun

(above: sunglasses, jeans, t-shirt, jacket, clutch, shoes)

Refined & Sophisticated

(above: glasses, pants, top, shoes, necklace, bracelet)

Preppy

(above: scarf, jeans, sweater, shoes, earrings, purse)

Now you can link up how you work it!  Full work it wednesday link info is here.  Please note... if you do not include a work it wednesday button (found here) on your post or your site your link WILL NOT be accepted - so make sure you grab a button and link up properly to participate!

my outfit: a dash of pink!

Ummm, if this could be my "uniform" it totally would be.  Like every day. Except truth be told I would actually wear these pants instead of these leggings I am actually wearing.  But we are talking absolute perfect world here.  So really, I'm fine as is.

A slightly oversized button up, leggings, a bun in my hair, a big 'ole fancy bracelet and THESE shoes... and I am good to go!  I'm so easy to please sometimes.

Have you notice I've been sporting sunglasses an AWFUL lot lately? I'm hoping you haven't, but if you have, confession time: I'm a tired mug lately.  And it always shows in my eyes.  By three pm I am ready to hibernate for a long long time, but come night time... my sleep isn't that great. Uggghhh. I hate that!  I'm thinking it's my diet... so I am going back to some of the cleanse principals.  Namely: eliminating gluten again. I hate to do it, but I think I have to.  Do you struggle with afternoon tiredness!?!?  Mine is like really, really bad lately. boo.

Any way... I'm trying to be positive about it.  I'm sure it has something to do with school starting next week too... I'm ready to get these kiddos out of my hair!

Details:
White Top, H&M (similar)
Belt, Gap (similar)
Leggings, H&M (similar)
Bracelet, gift (similar)
Watch, Michael Kors
Pink Driving Mocs, courtesy of LAMO Sheepskin

Check out what's up on my other blogs!

• The coolest and most unique picture frames I have seen in a while... I am so in love with these (via easy!) 
• a gorgeous late summer look from Olivia Palermo... re-created for less of course!

summer to fall: boots with shorts!?!?

I was brainstorming more ideas on how to take our summer items into fall... or just plain old mix the two seasons of clothing.  My mind works in crazy ways that I sure that you don't want a glimpse at, but somewhere along the lines I asked my self... Self: would you wear boots with shorts?  Self replied: I'd need some talking into on that one.

You know when you like the vague idea of something... but you really need to see it in action first to decide!?!? My self is like that a lot.  Yours?

Well I think I sufficiently talked myself into it. Here are two ways that I WOULD wear boots with shorts...

Adorable wellies and moccasin booties seem perfectly paired with shorts. So tell me... would you swap your flip flops or sandals and wear boots with shorts!?!?

(above: scarf, shorts, top, blazer, ring, wellies)

(above: sunglasses, bracelet, shorts, top, vest, moccasin booties)

my outfit: mixed metals?!? (+ giveaway!)

Told you I was over summer.  This is a straight up fall outfit.  I may have been a little "cozy" (ahem, sweaty) in this outfit... but I won't complain!  I will however say that I am in love with gingham lately... so get ready. Get ready.  This top was sold out in my size, so I actually got desperate, err CREATIVE, and bought it a few sizes up to wear tied at my waist or tucked in.  Desperate times call for creative measures.  You can quote me on that.

I've gotten a few questions from readers and friends in the past about "mixing metals"... You know: "Can I wear gold with silver? Rose gold with regular gold?" etc, and I never knew how to answer it because honestly... I never tried it!  But the fine folks over at Monet sent me a slew of jewelry to try out and like a 5 year old... I just tried it all on at the same time.  And you know what!?!? I loved it!  So go forth and mix metals!  You can quote me on that too.

I love how the bracelets and the necklace have a super classic, almost preppy feel to them... especially since that is what I am totally striving for with my style this fall.

Oh, and did I mention that there is totally something in it for you!?!?  I've got THREE (yes, 3!!!) of these silver bracelets to give away to my readers (that's you!).

Here's how to enter:

1. You absolutely MUST click "follow" or "join" in the sidebar.  No exceptions (well, except if you have already in the past!

2. Then, leave a comment with how you would style it!

3. For extra entries you can... (max three total entries!)

• "like" good life for less on Facebook! (1 extra entry, leave an additional comment!)
• "follow" good life for less on Twitter! (1 extra entry, leave an additional comment!)

Good luck!


COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED! I WILL ANNOUNCE A WINNER SOON!

Details:

Gingham Top, Old Navy

Blazer, J. Crew Outlet (similar)

Jeans, Gap (similar)

Sandals, Forever 21 (similar)

Bracelets & Necklace, courtesy of Monet

Check out what's going on at my other blogs today!

• The perfect maternity outfit this fall (and hint, hint... you can TOTALLY wear this even if you are not pregnant!)
• I adore this Emma Stone look... see how you can recreate it for less!

i heart fall: j.crew!

Oh, J.Crew... let us count the ways we love you. Adore you. Fall all over you.

It was easy... and at the same time, incredibly difficult to choose only a FEW favorites from J.Crew's fall line.  In a nutshell, I'll take one of everything here and one of everything in the catalog as well. That should be easy enough... right!?!?

1. This leopard print sweater is the cat's meow. I went the extra mile with the budget on this one. But it was so perfect. I can see me still wearing this in 10 years from now.  

2. The 'Betsey' sweater is just a great classic hands down. I never mind investing in sweaters because I know I will wear them a ton. I love this style!

3. These socks make me want to turn on my fireplace and brew some hot cider!

4. It's a sweater, and a jacket.  It's gorgeous!  The Merino Bomber Jacket is another total classic. How could you go wrong!?!?

5. Hello Resin Jeweled bracelet. Let's be friends!

6. This is a t-shirt blouse... how cute!?!? And simple. And flattering. And gorgeous.  Plus, this piece has a great price point!

7. Again with the sweaters.  A turtleneck wool sweater is a godsend in the middle of winter.  And pretty much any other time as well. This pink color is amazing! (great price point/value on this as well)

8. Rubber wellies... I'm infatuated with these boots.  They have a ZIPPER up the back ladies! Cute!  They come in really cute colors too!

9. I tried this color - Poppy King - on at the store and was a little hesitant... but now I can't get it out of my head.  I've gotta go back and get it!

10. A great pair of skinny jeans. Enough said. I love these.  These are high-waisted, a cut that is quickly growing on me!

So what are your favorites!?!?

Sunday Splurge...

I am SO in love with this poncho from Anthropologie... how absolutely gorgeous is this?

I just love how they styled it with white jeans and a floral top... perfect for August and September... and then for October and on with some boots and skinny jeans it would be amazing!

the issue with September Issues...

I don't know about you... but I just LOVE checking out the September issues of magazines to scope out the latest and greatest in fashion.  I always browse them and find myself inspired and wanting fun new clothing and accessories for the upcoming cooler months.

While these issues are endlessly inspiring and are produced by the best of the best in the business... I always walk a little disheartened at the trends that don't really fit my lifestyle. I'm a hip momma who is young at heart and wants to stay up on the latest trends.  But I live in suburbia... not on the catwalk or in a huge city and trends like "Navajo", "Dominatrix" and leather pants and sky high heels that I have seen in quite a few issues this fall don't fit my lifestyle.  I find myself making an extra effort to comb through the uber trends to find the practical ones...

That's why I started producing the looks:book.  I asked myself... what I am I really going to wear this season? What really works for me? What's new that I wouldn't mind trying but that would still fit into my lifestyle?


So check out my fall looks:book... consider it the "new" September Issue on the block!  And it is delivered straight to your email inbox within minutes for only $5 - a STEAL!!! Simply use the "buy now" button below!

Want more info on it!?!? Click here...

what to wear: weekend!

I'm not even going to pretend anymore... I'm OVER summer clothes.  Even my husband said to me the other night that he is sick of his summer clothes.  A-Greed!  But what's a lady to do when it's still quite warm out?  (although right now we have lots of 70's in our forecast... just perfect!)

I'll be mixing summer with fall.  Long pants with short sleeves, shorts with long sleeves, cozy sweaters layered over tanks and the like.  Now is actually a super fun time of year to mix it all up a bit!

(earrings, striped top, sunglasses, cardigan, sandals, shorts)

Have a great weekend!  What do you have planned?!?

the IT list... August, 26, 2011!

It's another Friday... Check out these great links to start your weekend off right!

• as luck would have it gives you the inside scoop on her five favorite lipsticks... and tries each of them on for you!  Check out her picks and how she wears each of them! 
• gs lillian looks fabulous, as always, in polka dots and leopard! I love this combo... are you inspired to try it too!?! (find gs lillian on twitter!)
• a spot of whimsy has a new series called "she" that I am just LOVING!  Check out the inspirational and aspirational words! (find a spot of whimsy on twitter!)
• high heels and bubble gum is looking amazing in this lace and lavender number - I am loving lace for fall.  Plus, see what special item she got back after it being gone for a while! (find high heels and bubble gum on twitter!)
• so much to smile about rounds up maxi dresses for fall... could it be that a maxi dress is more suited to fall than summer? I think so! (find so much to smile about on twitter!)
• the style dossier's little sister writes herself a to-do list for fall 2011... check it out and see why I wish I were in high school again.  Even though I'm not... I think I'll still write one for myself! (find the style dossier on twitter!)
• fabulously average puts together a really great look inspired by her favorite new fashion book... check out her formula and what book it is! (find fabulously average on twitter!)
• sweetie pie style is loving navy and brown for fall.  I love this combo and her inspiration! (find sweetie pie style on twitter!)
• mix and match fashion tries out trendy colored denim for fall - green to be exact!  Hear her thoughts on the denim and the trend! (find mix and match fashion on twitter!)
• chic or treat gives her tips and tricks for an effortless fall makeup routine. I love her choices... check them out! (find chic or treat on twitter!)
• take me for a twirl rocks her adorable cowboy boots in three fabulous outfits. See how she wears them, but be forewarned... you'll want a pair of cowboy boots too! (find take me for a twirl on twitter!)
• good life for less gives advice on how to take your favorite summer items into fall.  Check out how she makes the most of her wardrobe! (find good life for less on twitter!)

the IT list is produced by Jill of good life for less - for information on how you can be involved... click here!

my outfit: more excited...

I'm more excited about a blazer than one should be in August. Admitted.  But I have been searching forever (foreva, eva, eva) for a navy blue blazer that was under $100.  And that may sound easy folks, but it's not.  Well, until now.  I just snagged this one... yes, I'm likely the only one who buys blazers in August with as much gusto as I did that fateful day.  But it paid off.

I'm likely the only one who actually WEARS a blazer in August with this much gusto as well.  Truth be told, I didn't wear the blazer the whole day... I threw it on over this outfit on a recent chilly evening for a family ice cream outing.

I'm in total love with it.  It's really great quality, full lined and fits like a glove.

Are you snatching up any fall items with gusto lately!?!? If so... what!?!?

Details:
Blazer, American Eagle
Top, J.Crew (similar)
White Jeans, Gap
Earrings, courtesy of Coquese
Wedges, Cynthia Vincent for Target (similar)

Check out what's up on my other blogs today!

• I'm loving this late summer Kourtney Kardashian look... see how to get the look for less!
• Have a picky eater in your household... I know I do!  This is a great free printable to get your kids to eat their veggies - maybe once and for all!?!?

i heart fall: gap!

My sister-in-law works at the Gap and I stopped in there last weekend to shop with her so she could show me what's good there this fall!  She had me try on a few things that I wouldn't have tried myself... and of course, I ended up loving them!  Plus, I have a few favorites of my own...  check out my picks!

1. Military Style Button Up - so cute in person!

2. Red Pointy Flats - I am in love with pointy flats AND red flats this fall. Perfect combo!

3. Ponte Leggings - these are SUPER comfortable and universally flattering, go try them on!

4. Coral Scarf - the perfect fall hue!

5. Long Sleeved Black Dress - this fits AMAZING and is really flattering, I'm watching for this little lady to go on sale!

6. Tie Neck Top - I love this style and this color!

7. Cropped Skinny Jeans - I just bought these... cropped is the perfect length for my short legs! And perfect for wearing with boots... no extra fabric.

reader question: fall handbags?

A reader email me recently wanting advice on a fall handbag.  She was up for making an investment on a handbag up to $400 (I always think an investment on a handbag is a good one... they look and feel better and last infinitely longer) and wanted to know if I had any suggestions.

Here are my tips on trends for fall bags... and take note, while some of the bags are in the pricey range ($200 - $400) not all of them are!

The messenger-style handbag... these are totally classic and ultra refined.  They can be worn on a shoulder or cross-body and can carry anything from the basics to an extra sweater or pair of flats and a laptop. I love this simple silhouette and the roominess!

(above: black, navy, mauve, grey, nude)

The tasseled or drawstring handbag... anything with a tassle or a drawstring on it seems to be right on trend this season.  They are very classic looking without being boring.

(above: cognac, black, navy, black with nude, pink)

The tote or animal print... I'm all for a tote.  Maybe that's just the mom in me, but I love having something that my camera, laptop, sweatshirts, snacks or whatever can easily fit into.  Sure it may make looking for your keys a hassle, but for me I love to have everything with me.  

(above: grey, leopard, cognac, natural with cognac)

Don't forget to check out what's going on at my other blogs today!

• Emma Watson sports a back to school ready outfit... perfect for a casual fall day! I love this!
• Speaking of back to school... see how I outfit my kiddos for the season!
• Also, you may not have noticed... but I have a new comment system!  If you were having trouble commenting before you should be good to go now! It's super easy and user friendly!

work it wednesday: something new!

I'm so excited to announce today that I am taking Work It Wednesday to a whole new level here on good life for less!  As you may know... Work It Wednesday is a series I post from time to time that takes one wardrobe piece or style and "works it" three different ways.  It is actually the LONGEST running series here on good life for less and one that I started nearly three (THREE!?!?) years ago!

From now on... Work It Wednesday will be a super fun link party!  (I've never done a link party before here on the blog - I'm SO excited!!!) You can showcase your own outfits via photos of yourself or you can simply do some outfit mood boards or come up with your own take on Work It Wednesday... but whatever you do, you have to showcase one style (color blocking, print mixing, etc) or wardrobe item (your favorite blazer, shoes, pants, top, etc) in THREE different outfits!

If you need extra inspiration... check out my archives for tons of fun Work It Wednesday outfits!  Today is going to be the soft start... I'll keep the link party open for a few days if you want to participate but need time to get your looks together and then next week will be a Work It Wednesday Link Party extravaganza with our official start!

For today's post, I combed my archives to show you the three ways I've worn this green and navy striped top from H&M.  It's been one of my favorite pieces this summer and I can't wait to take it into fall!

(above)

(above)

(above)

Look like fun!?!? I think so!  Now let's see YOU work it!  Snag a button and link up!

125 x 125 button, html:

<a href="http://goodlifeforless.blogspot.com/search/label/work%20it%20wednesday"><img alt="workitwednesday" width="125" src="http://s678.photobucket.com/albums/vv143/JillGG/workitwedsbutton125.jpg" height="125" /></a>

150 x 100 button, html:

<a href="http://goodlifeforless.blogspot.com/search/label/work%20it%20wednesday"><img alt="workitwednesday" width="150" src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv143/JillGG/workitwedsbutton150.jpg" height="" /></a></div>

250 x 250 button, html:

<a href="http://goodlifeforless.blogspot.com/search/label/work%20it%20wednesday"><img alt="workitwednesday" height="250" src="http://i678.photobucket.com/albums/vv143/JillGG/workitwedsbutton250.jpg" width="250" /></a>

my outfit: back to school...

This past weekend we headed over to the east side of the state for some fun with family (all of my in-laws live in that neck of the woods).  My sister-in-law and her family live very near Ann Arbor, so Sunday we headed out for some fun on the campus of University of Michigan.  I went to a small private college and so visiting a campus like UoM's not only blows my mind... but is a ton of fun!  We walked around campus and got sandwiches, people watched, etc, etc.

My son has this insane obsession for UoM so it made it even more fun to see it through his eyes... all the blue and gold and of course, we had to take a visit to the gates of the BIG HOUSE.  It's crazy to think that my parents dropped me off at college 15 "falls" ago. And that I'll drop my son off at college in only 12 "falls"... that makes me, ummmm, officially 'young at heart'!

Also, because of my previous obsession with GREEK (I know some of you were reading then...) we wanted to look for Greek Row... but didn't find it.  I didn't get all crazy and google it or anything (honest)... but I was doing some rubber necking as we drove around town.  Oh well. I'll never be Casey Cartwright, I mean...  a sorority girl after all.

Details:
Top, Target
Shorts, DIY'd (similar)
Sunglasses, Forever 21 (similar)
Sandals, Forever 21 (similar)
Watch, Michael Kors

Check out what's up on my other blogs!

• Do you have kiddos starting elementary school this year? Check out these fun memory books!
• Every mom MUST watch this video... I would add "You are not alone." Wow, so moving!
• Kourtney Kardashian's gorgeous lace shorts... get the look!
• Have you snagged a fall looks:book yet? Do it before you start your fall shopping!

what to wear: summer to fall!

I've felt a few crisp moments of air lately... this past weekend didn't pack it's usual punch of heat and the evenings and mornings are starting to feel more and more like fall.  I just love fall; so while I'll be sad to say good bye to the abundant sunshine and heat of summer... I'm more than excited for cooler, crisper days and apples and cider and holidays.

Fashionably speaking... I love new fall clothes too!  And while I've done a bit of fall shopping (with maybe a bit more to be done).  I am still hoping to carry over some of my favorite summer pieces into the beginning of fall... are you!?!?  Or are you asking yourself what to wear summer to fall?

Here are my three favorite styles from summer transformed into fall looks. They are my white jeans, my denim shorts and bright pink!

White jeans can be brought into fall with boots, layers and darker colors.  I'm totally going to try white jeans for fall... I love this!

(above: clutch, jeans, top, blazer, ring, boots)

Denim shorts are perfect for those warm fall afternoons...
This is my tip on how to wear boots and shorts for fall:  layer up on long sleeves and sweaters or vests on top for the cool mornings and evenings!

(above: bracelet, shorts, striped top, sweater, sunglasses, flats)

Bright pink was one of my most favorite colors this past spring and summer... to bring it into fall layer it with neutrals like leopard print and fall appropriate colors like this red jacket or a camel jacket.

(above: scarf, jeans, top, jacket, shoes, watch)

Are there any items you are going to work on taking into fall!?! If so... how??

my outfit: ladies who lunch!

I'm totally not a "lunching lady"... but when a gal pal from out of town is around... we "meet" for lunch.  Does that count!?!? We met for lunch at my favorite spot, aka pretty much the only spot I eat out at, and sat on the patio for a few hours eating and talking and it was like I just saw her yesterday.  Although we hadn't seen one another in person for almost two years.  (really, eliz? two years!?!? sheesh!)

Elizabeth and I went to college together and even lived for a year together as well.  To say I have fond memories of our friendship and fun during those years is a gross understatement.  But what I love the most is that even though we have a rich and storied past - we love to talk about our futures and ideas and our lives now more than even reminisce about what were some of the greatest years of our lives.  Do you see the difference there? It's like we are such strong and amazing women these days that our futures are even BETTER than what that amazing past was.

It's kind of hard to explain. But what I do know is that she inspires me and makes me want to be a better person.  She chases her dreams and I love that her strengths tend to want to bring mine out as well.  Also, she took my outfit photos for me.  Friend for life there.  Although, she's pretty handy with a camera... so it was old hat for her.

Love you Eliz.  Love you lots.

Plus, she's gorgeous... and an amazing writer, and a working mom, and a mother to three boys, also she married her college sweet heart and they are an amazing couple.  Can I get an amen!?!?

Details:

Top, Target (similar)

White Jeans, Gap

Shoes, Cynthia Vincent for Target (similar and on SUPER sale!)

Earrings, House of Harlow via GILT (same earrings, different color)

Wood Bangle, Forever 21 (similar)

Sunglasses, Forever 21 (similar)

Check out what's up at my other blogs today!

• A gorgeous Carey Mulligan look for less... I love this flowy skirt!
• My simple and tasty healthy momma snack!  It's good for your kids too... that is, if you want to share!